Fresh Force (Summer 2021)

We emerge from COVID isolation with a Refreshed determination to deliver Fresh music programs to Cleveland kids in need. This Summer we need your support to run a 6-week summer jobs program for aspiring teen artists to learn mastery-level music production and recording arts skills while growing in social-emotional competencies and community leadership skills. 

Your donation will help create a cohort of 15 teen artists to create an original hip-hop album and music video to make their voice heard around the public health issues that matter most to them. This summer is sure to be one of the most creatively productive programs we've ever run. 

Artists will build mastery in every aspect of hip-hop music creation:

• Digital Music Composition (Beat Making)
• Lyric Writing
• Recording Arts
• Performance Skills
• Videography
• Clothing Design

PLUS real-world job readiness skills such as:  

• Resume Building,
• Portfolio Development,
• Digital Content Creation,
• Social Media Marketing
• and more..!

Young applicants for the Fresh Force program have completed Interviews 101 workshop.  As we work with young people that have never had a summer job before, we realize every step of the way is a part of the learning experience.  Real-life skills like interview skills, resume writing, personal finance aren't covered in school, so your gift helps us properly equip the teens. 

We are excited to announce a new album release in August 2021. The young leaders of this summer’s Fresh Force will build the Refresh Collective discography inspiring the whole city of Cleveland with original hip-hop straight from the heart! 

*** Watch one of the student videos from last year: Puzzled .

Recruit the Youth from In-School Instruction, Done! 

Teach Interview Skills and Interview youth for the Fresh Force Positions, Done!

Recruit artist-mentors + Partnership building, Done!

Run 6-week Fresh Force Arts-Mastery and Workforce Development program, June 21 - July 31, 2021

Fresh Force learns Job Skills, Builds a Resume & artist portfolio, June 21 - July 31, 2021

Fresh Force Leaders fully trained and ready for Fall Engagement, July 31, 2021

Imagine sitting at your dining room table, surfing the web for something constructive to do with your time, unable to relax with friends or get away from family drama. You bottle up your emotions hoping to just sleep them off. Imagine doing that for 12 months, with no end in sight. 50% of teens say that COVID severely disrupted their plans or made planning for their future feel impossible. In comparison, young people say our annual summer hip-hop camps are like no other place. The energy, positivity, & creativity make it a place where youth come out of their shells & thrive in a learning environment. 

We heard the teen’s call for positive interaction & boosted our outreach. In response to COVID-19 safe practices protocol, our summer Fresh Camp has evolved into the Fresh Force, a 6-week partnership with Youth Opportunities Unlimited to offer recording arts mastery, leadership development & job readiness. Fresh Force focuses on lifting up our most promising young artists to new heights of artist mastery toward a life of leadership.